Velux Sun Tunnel
With units ranging from 10" to 14" diameter, rigid tube and flexible tube models and a great list of accessories makes the Velux Sun Tunnel a great choice.
I have always appreciated the attention to detail that Velux gives to their products so when they came out with their own version of a tubular skylight, it did not hesitate placing their product on my acceptable products list.
The Velux Sun Tunnel looks and works like many other tube skylights on the market, but where they stand out from the pack is their detailed installation instructions for the do-it-yourselfer and the great accessories that they have available for their systems.
I also appreciate the different models that they have available from a standard rigid tunnel, to a flexible tunnel and a low profile model is also available now.
Velux Sun Tunnel Product Features
Available in several different configurations and sizes, including 10" and 14" diameter models
Flexible and Rigid Tube Installations
Energy Star approved
Leak-proof flashing
Qualifies for Federal Tax Credit
The Solar Tube Skylights usually employ a couple different methods to bring an amazing amount of light to a room or space below.
TMR Rigid Tunnel: The TMR rigid VELUX SUN TUNNEL™ skylight features a highly reflective tunnel that provides brighter, whiter light output in any application.
This makes the Model TMR great for most applications, even those with long tunnel runs or those in areas with less sunlight.
TMF Flexible Tunnel: The TMF flexible VELUX SUN TUNNEL skylight features a ring with a mirror finish just below the dome to reflect light from all angles.
The flexible design of the tunnel makes the Model TMF the easiest tubular product to bend around attic obstructions and great for sunny areas.
TGF Low Profile Tunnel: The TGF flexible VELUX SUN TUNNEL skylight features a ring with a mirror finish just below the dome to reflect light from all angles.
The flexible design of the tunnel makes the Model TGF the easiest tubular product to bend around attic obstructions and great for sunny areas.
Rigid Pitched Sun Tunnel Skylight: The model TMR features a one piece pitched metal flashing that angles the tunnel to receive light from all directions.
Great for roofs facing any direction. Provides straighter tunnel runs through many roof pitches. Tile flashing available. Impact models available for hurricane prone areas
Most of these Solar Tube Skylights perform extremely well, and you will not have the need for supplemental light in the space until sunset. Even on cloudy days they transmit more than enough lighting to fill the space with soft natural daylighting. Here are some examples:
A standard 100 watt incandescent bulb produces 1200 lumens (that is the standard measurement of light and higher numbers indicate more light output).
A 40-watt, 48-inch fluorescent tube produces 2300 lumens.
Most 10-inch Tubular Skylights produce up to 3750 lumens. That is 3 times what a 100 watt incandescent bulb produces.
Most 14-inch Tubular Skylights produces up to 6500 lumens. That is 5 times what a 100 watt incandescent bulb produces.
10 inch Tubular Skylights compares to a 2' x 2' skylight and the 14-inch compares to a 2' x 4' skylight.
Night Light Kit: The Night Light Kit enables flexible and rigid VELUX SUN TUNNEL skylights to be used as a light source even at night.
This is a great option because it saves you from cutting an additional hole in the ceiling and you have a cleaner more clutter-free surface.
Tile Flashing Kit: A tile flashing kit is available for SUN TUNNEL skylights being installed on tile roofs.
I specify a lot of tile roofs in certain parts of the country, and a lot of these installations are prime candidates for the Velux Sun Tunnel.
The Tile Kit allows me to use the Sun Tunnel in tile roofs with confidence and be assured of a leak-free installation.
Extension Tubes: Extension tubes are available for both rigid Velux Sun Tubes and their flexible shaft counterparts.
Installation of the Velex Sun Tunnel skylights is very simple. The standard models (TMR) can be installed in any shingle, shake or metal roof with a roof pitch between 3/12 and 20/12 and that will cover just about an application.
Simply select your location, carefully mark out the location on the roof and corresponding location on the ceiling below Just make sure you clear the rafters, ceiling joints or trusses.
Cut a hole in the ceiling and slip in the diffuser and swing out the drywall tabs and screw into place.
Remove your roofing materials around the skylight on the roof, install the base flashing and put down some roofing cement or better yet install a sheet of Grace Bituthane 3000 waterproofing membrane.
Replace the roofing around the flashing and install roofing cement as required.
Next assemble the tunnel with top and bottom fittings, adjusting length and angle as required. The tunnel angle can be changed simply by rotating the fitting.
Place the tunnel through the roof opening and guide it into the bottom diffuser and seat it firmly in place.
Place the top skylight portion of the tunnel in place and secure with supplied fasteners and you are in business.
Rigid Pitched Sun Tunnel Skylight: The model TMR features a one piece pitched metal flashing that angles the tunnel to receive light from all directions.
Great for roofs facing any direction. Provides straighter tunnel runs through many roof pitches. Tile flashing availableImpact models available for hurricane prone areas
If you are interested in looking at additional manufacturers, take a look at the ODL Tubular Skylight. They have the same sized available, polished tubes, great diffusers at the top and bottom of the unit and some of the best flashing options available with a lifetime warranty.
They have been in the tubular skylight business since the 1970's so they really know the product inside and out.
For a complete review of their products see our article Solar Tube Skylight:
